Summertime Safety Tips – Part II :: Orlando, FL

July 28, 2014

Summer Safety Tips – Part II

Summer is the season of outdoor fun, long nights and lots of bugs.  If you have children, so many things can be hazardous and you must always be on guard for dangers.  The American Academy of Pediatrics issued some important safety tips in June of this year.

Keep these tips in mind as you enjoy the dog days of summer.

BUG SAFETY

–  Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
–  Avoid stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
–  Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
–  To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently back it out by scraping it with a credit card.
–  Avoid products that combine sunscreen and insect repellent products.  Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
–  Use insect repellents containing DEET when needed to prevent insect-related diseases. Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
–  When outside in the evenings or other times when there are a lot of mosquitoes present, cover up with long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to prevent bites.

BICYCLE, SCOOTER AND SKATEBOARD SAFETY

–  A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn.  And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
–  Children are more likely to wear helmets if their parents do, so set a good example!
–  Use helmets that meet the CPSC safety standard.  Look for a sticker or label when you purchase the helmet.
–  Make sure your child’s bike, scooter or skateboard is the proper size for him or her.  Over-sized equipment can be dangerous.

Here are tips for a properly fitting helmet:
–  A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head and covers the forehead.
–  Helmets should not be tipped forward or backwards.
–  The strap should be securely fastened with about 2 fingers able to fit between chin and strap.
–  The helmet should be snug on the head, but not overly tight.
–  Skin should move with the helmet when moved side to side.
–  If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit.

See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips.aspx#sthash.a3hWlxbY.dpuf